ALBANY — Albany State unveiled its 2014 football schedule on Wednesday, and as previously reported by The Herald the Rams will open the season Sept. 6 at in-state rival Valdosta State, renewing a rivalry that had been dormant the last two years.

The Rams, who finished 2013 at 6-4 overall and closed the year with five straight victories to win the SIAC title, will open conference play the following week with a Sept. 13 game at Tuskegee, which made an appearance in last year’s Division II playoffs after finishing the regular season 8-2. The Tuskegee game is the first of three West Division crossover game for the Rams.

After an open date on Sept. 20, Albany State has its home opener on Sept. 27 against Miles College, followed by a road game at Paine College on Oct. 4 and a home game against Lane College on Oct. 11. The Rams will wrap up the regular season with four straight East Division games — Oct. 18 at Morehouse, Oct. 25 at home vs. Clark Atlanta, Nov. 1 at Benedict and Nov. 8 in Columbus vs. Fort Valley State in the 25th annual Fountain City Classic.

For the second time in three years, the Rams will only have three home games on their schedule and will play just nine regular season games. The winners of the East Division and West Division will play in the SIAC championship game at a location and date to be announced later.